In order to cut back on the number of these threads to be created in the future - which are often repeats of past ones - I want to compile the most exhaustive list possible of places on the web to find RE deals.This can be a reference guide for newbies and veterans alike.Here's what I've got so far:Fannie Maehttp://www.homepath.com/Freddie Machttp://www.homesteps.com/The FDIChttp://www.fdic.gov/buying/owned/http://orelistings.cbre.com/http://www.fdiclistings.com/Department of JusticeAll DOJ RE sales are handled by LPS Asset Management Solutions: http://www.lps-am.com/All othershttp://www.ustreas.gov/auctions/I've noticed that a lot of federal agencies as well as regional and community banks use CB Richard Ellis to handle the sale of foreclosed property.

From your posts it sounds like you are thinking more like a homeowner than an investor.

The rate and origination will definitely be higher than an FHA, but you'll be able to take the property down and have a budget to be reimbursed for repairs.Once renovated, you can then look to refinance with the FHA loan for a better long term rate.

I am going to exhaust every avenue I can to learn.  

There is no reason to invest more than an hour from your home.

That would limit the property to commercial loan products, which have higher rates and higher down payment requirements than an FHA or Fannie Mae residential loan product.You can buy the property with a 203K loan and then later refinance it, but refinancing it with a commercial loan product will cost more.You can do the 203K, refinance it later, and then transfer it to an LLC.

In 2012, I moved with my wife and two kids to Malaysia to start a software consulting business, which was a huge rush and an awesome experience... but it was also exhausting. 

Some markets are so saturated a house may bring in more as a LTR than an STR.

Here are just a few of major advantages it has over IRA:- Contribute 10 times more than an IRA (up to $61,000/yr)- No UBIT on leveraged real estate- Ability to take personal loan up to $50K (can't borrow a dollar from an IRA)- Checkbook control without custodian and without an LLC- Lower cost to setup and maitain- Tax free investing utilizing Roth sub-account

Assuming you have been doing your tax returns correctly for the two rentals you already have (perhpas using a tax preparation software package), acquisition of a third rental property does not change the way you prepare your next tax return.If there is some other complexity that is the reason for your question, other than an accounting issue, maybe an attorney rather than a CPA is better suited to addressing your concerns.